Internationally renowned Head Coach at the Monroe College in the USA, Shirvon Greene, visited his island home, Nevis, recently.
In an exclusive interview with NTV sports, the soft-spoken Coach demonstrated that he has not forgotten his roots and remains humble.
He traced his success story from way back in Grade four at the Charlestown Primary School, when under the guidance of Coach Elquemedo Willet, he ran a leg of a relay, from Four Seasons to Charlestown.
It was then that his true potential as a long-distance athlete was discovered.
Prior to that, his focus was on becoming a Basketball star.
Willet continued to guide him through his Primary school years and then he continued at the Charlestown Secondary School and acknowledges the work of Denzil Parris and Wakeley Daniel, in keeping him focused, fit and committed.
He was spotted by a recruiter from Monroe College and the rest is history.
He was able to complete his degree program at that College, totally free of cost and on completion of his studies, he excelled to the point that the College refused to let him go and so he has spent the last 13 ½ years there and from Assistant Coach of the track team, he was recently promoted to Head Coach and has brought many victories to the College.
He credits the solid upbringing that he had, to his deceased grandmother, Hyacinth Carey, his beloved mom, Bonnie Carey, and his family members, including, Brian, Cynric and Clare Carey, along with his Aunt in St. Croix, Sherilyn Alexander.
He also saluted the guys at the Mango tree bar in Craddock Road, for their overwhelming support and the late great Merrill Carbon, among others.
He also thanked his extended family at Monroe College: President Mark Jerome and the entire Athletic Directors’ staff, for their love and assistance.
He is a USTAF level 2 which is the equivalent to IAAF Level 4
Quite apart from his Coaching assignments, Shirvon also performs some other significant responsibilities for the College: Academic Coordinator, International Liaison officer, and he is one of the lead recruiters for the Monroe College team.
He is adamant that academics and sports can be mixed to the benefit of any child.
He is encouraging parents to allow their children to excel in both, as they can eventually receive higher level education for free, because of their athletic abilities.
He is willing to assist children in the federation of St.Kitts and Nevis and can be contacted at WhatsApp number 347 675 4422.
He also congratulated the youthful Basketballers of St. Paul’s, who recently won the under 25 Parish league tournament. He was the one who bought them their brand new uniforms.
His words of admonition to students:
“Go to school, listen to your parents, be respectful to your teachers, follow their guidance, apply yourself and you will be a hundred percent fine.”